By Chloe Mulliner, on May 14, 2018

Say “see ya” to winter in these 25 cities

As the seasons start to change, some are holding on tight to the last remnants of winter, while others are ready to rip off their mittens and feel the sunshine on their skin. Regardless of whether you’re refusing to hang up your parka or you’re willing swimsuit season to arrive, we’ve come up with some of the top destinations to go this time of year.

We took a lot of factors in account, such as scenery, average temperatures, attractions, and activities to bring you the ultimate list (in no particular order) of the best places to travel in spring and into the summer. Myrtle Beach lies at the very top of our roundup, kicking off the onset of warmer days with golf links, lazy rivers, and sparkling coastline—see ya winter!

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Spring breakers are some of the first to test the waters in Myrtle Beach as the mercury begins to rise. Lazy days on the beach are followed by late nights out on the town, but this seaside resort is much more than just an escape from campus life. Over 100 golf courses await those eager to swing on the greens, while the rides at Family Kingdom Amusement Park will have your kids squealing with joy. Cheer on the Pelicans as they step up to bat at the ballpark or sing along to your favorite country tunes at the Alabama Theatre.

When it comes to deciding where to stay, Ocean Park by Oceana Resorts is a favorite among those traveling with pets (it has its own doggy playground!), while Dunes Village Resort, known for its amazing indoor waterpark,  is another excellent choice. However you spend your days in Myrtle Beach, book your Mid-Atlantic vacation now, as summer is quickly approaching!

 Charleston, Missouri

There are flowers, and then there are the flowers you find in Charleston. We’re talking six miles worth of dogwood and azaleas in full bloom, so beautiful they could make the D.C. cherry blossoms jealous. This season, Charleston is hosting its 50th annual Dogwood-Azalea Festival, a 4-day spring frenzy with the works, from old-fashioned ice cream socials to swine races. When the temperatures begin creeping into the 60s F, ideal for spending time outdoors, exploring the area’s historical homes and admiring the manicured gardens.

Casper, Wyoming

Casper is the place for those who like to hold on to the last lingering breaths of winter. It’s here where you can squeeze in some spring skiing as late as May 27 at Hogadon Basin and fat bike along the snow-packed trails at Casper Mountain. But if you’re itching for warmer temperatures, grab your fishing pole and will the springtime weather with some urban fly fishing right in town. Whether the temperatures are skimming the below the freezing mark or heating up enough to melt the snow, it’s always the right time to be outside exploring Wyoming’s Adventure Capital.

Winchester, Virginia

Via Yelp/Brian L.

Winchester may be known as the Apple Capital, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until autumn to enjoy its harvest. This year the Virginia city is celebrating its 91st annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, a 10-day extravaganza with wine fests, apple pie baking contests, concerts, pageants, and one of the largest firefighter parades in the world. Before summer weather arrives in full force, enjoy the refreshing temps by heading over to Winchester Ciderworks for some crisp adult beverages, or stopping in Red Fox Creamery for some good ol’ fashioned homemade ice cream.

Fort Wayne, Indiana

In Fort Wayne, the snow is starting to melt, the temperatures are rising, and it’s making us thirsty! That’s why spring is the ultimate time for the city to throw the Michiana Wine Festival, where you can sip and swirl more than 150 wines, while grooving to live music and meandering through the craft market. Further say so long to winter by soaking up the springtime scenery on a hike through Metea County Park. The Old Fort has a wowa calendar full of springtime and summer attractions, too.

Cable, Wisconsin

Via Flickr/cosmosum chlorophytum

Cable’s not one to rush winter out the door. Snow may still be covering the ground come spring, but the bright hot air balloons in the sky will give you the burst of color you’ve been craving. The Hot Air for Hearts Balloon Rally takes flight with countless multi-colored balloons bobbing along the skyline for charity. The Braveheart Midwest Snowshoe Racing Championships is another March favorite, where you can race to the finish line, leaving snow dust in your trails. Prefer something a little more adrenaline inducing? Hit the snowmobile trails before the powder is gone for good.

Sturbridge, Massachusetts

Spring means maple syrup in Old Sturbridge Village. Here they host Maple Days, every weekend in March, where historians show off the antique sugar-making process, used in the 19th-century sugar camp. You’ll want to stick around town for Wool Days, where you’ll see the farmers shear sheep and border collies show off their herding talents! For some outdoorsy downtime, order a Green Light Session Ale at Rapscallion and drink up the view. Located in an apple barn, the brewery and tap room overlooks a 150-acre orchard.

Meredith, New Hampshire

Via Flickr/Ken Lund

Venture out of hibernation and take a deep breath, filling your lungs with the crisp, fresh air of Meredith. After shaking off its sleepy, snowy winter vibes, this lakeside retreat begins to blossom, making way for warmer days ahead. Submerge yourself in the New England scenery before the crowds arrive; trek along the Waukewan Highlands forest trails or hike the perimeter of Lake Winnipesaukee. As May rolls around, take to the waters aboard the M/S Mount Washington to get a glimpse of what summertime holds.

Forest Hill, Louisiana

As soon as the chill begins leaving the air, Forest Hill—home to nearly 200 nurseries in and around town—is ready to help you plant your dream garden. Each spring, the Louisiana Nursery Festival blooms to life with more than 50 vendors, showcasing everything from rose bushes to birdhouses. Sometimes called the festival of flowers, this 3-day event has food booths and carnival rides, too. After stopping and smelling the flowers, saddle up and horseback ride at the Hayes E Daze Ranch or rev the engine of an ATV along the Claiborne Trails to get a taste of springtime.

Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey

Via Yelp/ZenFoodster E.

This beach town tends to get a little sleepy in the winter months, especially if a snow storm has covered the shoreline in powder, but it perks right back up as soon as the mercury starts to rise. A sure sign Point Pleasant Beach is back in the swing of things is when the Jenkinson’s Boardwalk Ride Park opens at the end of March. See how many times you can stomach the Tilt-a-Whirl and then stock up on homemade fudge and taffy at Jenkinson’s Sweet Shop—your inner child will be impressed.

Carlsbad, California

Don’t wait for summer to soak up the sunny vibes in Carlsbad. It’s always a good time to take the kids to NINJAGO WORLD at LEGOLAND and build sandcastles on the shores of Tamarack Beach in this California sweet spot. You’ll get used to seeing the salty, blue ocean to the west, but when you arrive at the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, you’ll see a vibrant sea of flowers. Tecolote Giant Ranunculus cover more than 50 acres, while another five acres are set aside for specialty flowers.

Fairfield, Connecticut

Via Yelp/Joseph L.

Those aren’t snowflakes on the ground, they’re fallen petals from the dogwood trees. While Virginia snagged the dogwood as its state flower, Fairfield has taken a liking to the delicate blossom, too. So much in fact, Fairfield has planted 30,000 of the trees, and when they bloom, the whole city celebrates with the Greenfield Hill Congregational Church Dogwood Festival. If you’re still left longing for summer though, head to Jennings Beach. You may still need to bundle up as you walk along the city’s largest beach, but the views of Long Island Sound will certainly put you in a summer frame of mind.

Blairsville, Georgia

Shed your winter layers, and make an appointment to tour Lasso the Moon Alpaca Farm, where you can learn about how the farm animals get rid of their own winter fleece. With the assistance of one of the tour guides, gently pet the alpacas, and you may earn yourself a sweet, fuzzy kiss. If your kids are along for your Blairsville spring trip, let their imaginations run wild with a stop at the enchanting Sleepy Hollow Whimsical Fairy Garden, and then hike the DeSoto Falls Trail to marvel at the dual waterfalls, said to be where armor was found from de Soto’s 1500s expedition.

Medora, North Dakota

Via Flickr/Nic McPhee

Winter may take its sweet time biding Medora adieu, but sure enough, this North Dakota city is starting to slowly heat up. You might still be able to see your breath in the frosty air, but you won’t give it a second thought when you’re galloping through the Badlands from the saddle of a horse. Make reservations with Medora Riding Stables & Trail Rides and then head over to Pitchfork Steak Fondue for lunch, where you’ll get served a massive western-style meal with epic mountain views that are definitely worth bragging about.

Corvallis, Oregon

You won’t do Corvallis justice without relishing the gorgeous landscape that is the Willamette Valley. Join the Mid-Valley Bike Club Saturday Rides, starting at 9 a.m. during May, to admire the region on two wheels. Or, hoof the trails at Bald Hill to frolic among the wild flowers, and if you’re lucky, you might come across some ripe blackberries ready for pickin’. Meanwhile, if it’s the lush, green Oregonian woodland you’re after, McDonald Forest is your calling.

Wausau, Wisconsin

Via Yelp/Sarah Z.

Packing up your ski gear thinking the season’s over? Not so fast. At Granite Peak, the powder is still fresh and the lifts are still running until April 29, and the park hosts events throughout the spring and summer. But for those of you who are ready to say goodbye to long johns and overcoats, get your spring fever fix at the Monk Botanical Gardens, where butterflies flutter and frogs hop around the Wildflower Woods.

St. Augustine, Florida

If you’re craving a coastal spring break, without hundreds of college kids trampling your beach blanket, then consider St. Augustine your refuge. A slightly calmer seaside spot, it has springtime temperatures in the 70s F, meaning you’ll be basking in your bikini while the rest of the nation is still bundling up. Of course the sand and sea are a major draw, but there are countless other attractions to explore during this time of year. Check out Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park and then head to the San Sebastian Winery’s rooftop bar, The Cellar Upstairs, for some live music and crowd-pleasing views.

Morgantown, West Virginia

Via Flickr/Jeff Turner

There’s certainly allure to a state described as wild and wonderful, and what better place to put it to the test than Morgantown? Sitting along the banks of the Monongahela River, this mountain town transforms into a green wonderland come spring and summer. Beginning in spring, the West Virginia Botanic Garden hosts Friday Family Walks, where you’re guided through the elaborately designed floral displays. Prefer to pick your own adventures? Go for a scenic jog through Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park or tie in for some rock climbing excursions at nearby Coopers Rock State Forest.

Missoula, Montana

Via Yelp/Mary Jo C.

You keep hearing about how beautiful Montana is, so it’s time to visit Missoula to see for yourself. At this time of year, slowly but surely the snow is beginning to taper off, allowing Mount Sentinel to turn a lovely shade of bright green, while lilacs pop open all around town. Drive up Blue Mountain to see the city in all its scenic glory, and then mark your calendar for Garden City Brewfest in May. Downtown Missoula certainly puts on a show with over 40 participating breweries, live music, and grub from local eateries like Bitterroot Bison Co. and El Cazador.

Durango, Colorado

Mother Nature likes to play tricks on Durango, teasing it with 60 degree F weather one day and then pounding it with snow the next. It makes no matter when you’re in this mountain town though, because there is always something exciting to do despite the weather. Climb aboard the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and ride through the San Juan Mountains (book a parlor car for full bar access!). Between sipping local beer on Carver Brewing Co.’s outdoor patio and joining a fly fishing excursion with Duranglers on the Animas River, you’ll find your personal paradise here.

Pismo Beach, California

Step 1: Book a vacation rental in Pismo Beach. Step 2: Get ready for a legendary coastal adventure. This Cali beach town is where you’ll find crazy good clam chowder at Splash Café, bonfire hangouts at Oceano Dunes, and the most magical sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. The key to getting the most out of your seaside romp is to visit before the summer crowds beat you to it. With the coast as your playground, cruise around in a Surrey from Wheel Fun Rentals, explore the dinosaur caves, and hop in a dune buggy to charge along the shoreline.

Galveston, Texas

It’s the more the merrier in Galveston, where the energy of spring breakers makes the island city buzz with excitement. The squeals from riders on the Iron Shark Roller Coaster fill the air down at Pleasure Pier, while the sweet smells of Hey Mikey’s Ice Cream entice you in for a banana split. If you’ve got little ones in tow, good luck slipping past La King’s Confectionery without buying your weight in peanut and peco brittle and salt water taffy. What’s more, the temperatures start soaring at this time of year, so you won’t get funny looks if you take a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Via Yelp/Elaine Y.

Batter up! When it comes to spring vacation destinations, baseball lovers have their eyes on Scottsdale. Home to Spring Training, the Arizona town hosts the Giants, Rockies, and Diamondbacks, as they get back into the swing of things for the 2017 season. But if fly balls aren’t your scene, you won’t be pressed to amuse yourself. The nearby Desert Botanical Garden is hosting Spring Music in the Garden concert series through June. Spring is just before the summer heat strikes, so get outside before it gets balmy.

New York City, New York

Let’s face it, it’s always a good time to visit NYC, but springtime is ultra-special. Everyone is eager to peel off their winter clothes, and you better believe the first warmish day will have city dwellers flocking to picnic at Clove Lakes Park. You’ll know the warmer months have officially arrived when the New York Dance Parade hits the streets and Navy sailors take over the city during Fleet Week. Go on, pack a picnic and relish a sunny afternoon in Central Park.

Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

Via Flickr/James Willamor

Ah, listen for the crack and sizzle of a beer can opening with the lull of the rolling waves in the background. This could be the soundtrack to your Atlantic Beach getaway. Here it’s legal to leisurely drink on the beach (no glass containers, please!) while soaking up the sea breezes. Though it’s a hotspot for the college-aged crew, you’ll find tons of entertainment regardless of your age. Rent a beach cruiser from Crystal Coast Bicycles to zip around the shore, and linger around to catch the 5th Annual Atlantic Beach Music Festival on the boardwalk in May.

What are some other spring travel ideas?